The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch from 4 p.m. this afternoon through this evening, Thursday July 9. A slow-moving storm system will cause rain and thunderstorms, which could lead to flash flooding in low-lying areas or places with poor drainage. 

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The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for this area today, Thursday July 9 through until 10 p.m. tonight. Damaging winds may cause some trees and large branches to fall. Roadways may become blocked by downed trees. Localized power outages are possible

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What to do During a Thunderstorm

In the event of a severe storm, residents, business owners, and visitors should seek shelter, tune in to local media for more information, and take appropriate actions to keep their households safe.  

For immediate police, fire, or emergency medical assistance, call or text 911.  

Call 703.746.4444 to report non-life-threatening requests, including downed trees, minor flooding, and downed traffic signals.  

What to do during a power outage

In the event of a power outage, please remember: Dominion Energy is responsible for restoring electricity. The City of Alexandria does not control the power grid or when service is restored.  

To report a power outage or check restoration status, contact Dominion Energy in one of three easy ways:  

1. Use the Dominion Energy mobile app (iPhone or Android).
2. Visit DominionEnergy.com.
3. Call Dominion at 1-866-DOM-HELP (1.866.366.4357).  

Food that has been exposed to a power outage, flood water, or a fire for too long can contain harmful germs that make you sick. Find tips for food safety during and after a power outage or emergency at vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/food-safety-in-virginia/emergencies/.

Prepare Now for Storms  

As summer approaches, our area is prone to thunderstorms and severe weather. You can take steps to prepare now by:  

• Signing up for emergency alerts at alexandriava.gov/eNews or keeping up with the City's social media
• Staying informed by visiting the National Weather Service
• Making an emergency plan for your household following guidelines from VDEM.
• Ensuring outdoor items are secure in the event of high winds. 
• Knowing where spare batteries, candles, and your fully charged devices are before a storm hits.  

What to do if There is a Flood 

If you encounter flooded roads, turn around. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be especially cautious at night, when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.

For immediate police, fire, or emergency medical assistance, call or text 911. 

Call 703.746.4444 to report non-life-threatening requests, including downed trees, minor flooding, and downed traffic signals. 

In the event of a power outage, please remember: Dominion Energy is responsible for restoring electricity. The City of Alexandria does not control the power grid or when service is restored. 

To report a power outage or check restoration status, contact Dominion Energy in one of three easy ways: 

1. Use the Dominion Energy mobile app (iPhone or Android).
2. Visit DominionEnergy.com.
3. Call Dominion at 1-866-DOM-HELP (1.866.366.4357). 

Prepare Now for Storms 

Residents should take the following precautions to provide for the safety and security of their family and property:

• Signing up for emergency alerts at alexandriava.gov/eNews or keeping up with the City's social media
• Staying informed by visiting the National Weather Service
• Making an emergency plan for your household following guidelines from VDEM.
• Ensuring outdoor items are secure in the event of high winds. 
• Knowing where spare batteries, candles, and your fully charged devices are before a storm hits

Recreation Centers

Cooling centers are offered at the following recreation centers. Visit the Recreation Centers page for full business hours.

Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe St.)

Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center (25 West Reed Ave.)

Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Ave.)

Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Ave.)

William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Ave.) 

Libraries

In addition, the following Alexandria Library branches are open during the following hours for cooling needs during warm weather:

• Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library (5005 Duke St.) 

• Parking: The library has a large parking lot with 175 spaces.
  • Metrorail: King Street Station (Yellow & Blue Lines 3.2 miles); Van Dorn Station (Blue Line 2.1 miles)
  • Metrobus: F23, F24, A28
  • DASH Bus: 30, 32

Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library (717 Queen St.) 

• Parking: No library parking lot. Street parking is available. A paid parking lot is available on the 100 block of North Alfred Street.
  • Metrorail: Yellow and Blue lines at Braddock Road (1 mile) and King Street Stations (1.1 miles).
  • Metrobus: A11, A12, F19
  • DASH Bus: 30, 31, Old Town Circulator
  • King Street Trolley: King & Columbus

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library (4701 Seminary Rd.)

• Parking: There is a library parking lot available.
  • Metrorail: King Street Station
  • Metrobus: F20
  • DASH Bus: 36A, 36B, 102

James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library (2501 Commonwealth Ave.)

• Parking: There is a small lot with 9 spaces.  On street parking is available.
  • Metrorail: Yellow and Blue lines at Braddock Road (1.3 miles) and King Street Stations (1.5 miles)
  • Metrobus:  A11, A12
  • DASH Bus: 33